Media Release
Dubai, Sep 29: Pamboorians in UAE celebrated Nativity Feast Monthi Fest in a traditional way together as one family at Winny's Restaurant, Karama, Dubai on Thursday, September 17 from 8 pm onwards.
Master of the ceremony Diany D’Souza took charge of the evening and gave a brief introduction about the importance of Mother Mary in our life and significance of Monthi Fest to the gathering. Fr Paul Rego, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Pamboor graced the occasion.
The celebration started with a short procession by little children and teenagers carrying the statue of 'Maria Bambina' (Infant Mary) with colorful flowers singing the traditional hymn 'Sokkad Sangata Melyam' and gathered around the bambina.
Fr Paul Rego, who came all the way from Mangalore to attend this celebration, led the prayer session along with little kids, followed by children joyfully showered flower petals on Infant Mary as the gathering sang the hymn 'Moriyek Hogolshiyam'. 'Novem' with milk was served to all and sweets were distributed to all children.
President Ashok Menezes welcomed the guests and all gathering. Guest of honor Fr Robert Lasrado, Assistant Priest at St Mary’s Church, Dubai and Spiritual Director for St Mary’s Mangalorean Community, in his Sandesh called upon to maintain the unity among all the parishioners and requested to keep up the traditions alive. He also highlighted the importance of Konkani language and urged to teach Konkani to younger generation.
Fr Paul Rego, in his address said he is overwhelmed with joy to see large number of parishioners as one family. He also appreciated the support given by Pamboorians in UAE to the church and urged to continue unity and good work.
The evening was filled with lots of entertainment and cultural events. Little kids Leora, Dwayne and Darren sung some melodious songs while Athan, Ashel, Reeve, Inish, Keith and Kelly presented scintillating filmy dances, which appreciated by the audience.
Fr Paul Rego presented a brief power point presentation on Golden Jubilee projects of Holy Cross Church, Pamboor and sought support from all parishioners to complete these projects.
Compere Diany Dsouza conducted various spot games to keep the spirit on and Agnel D’Souza conducted housie Housie game. Exciting prizes were distributed to the winners. MC Diany D’Souza thanked each and every one for making this celebration a memorable one.
A traditional vegetarian meal "Novem Jevan" was prepared by Winny's Restaurant served on banana leaves and was enjoyed by the gathering of around 120 people.